Dhaka: Marking the International Day of Peacekeepers, the United Nations (UN) paid tribute to over 50,000 peacekeepers worldwide on Friday, including more than 4,000 from Bangladesh. The commemoration highlights the service and sacrifice of these individuals, who play crucial roles in maintaining global peace.
According to United News of Bangladesh, the UN expressed its gratitude to peacekeepers who have risked their lives for the cause of peace. The UN office in Bangladesh emphasized the importance of investing in peace to support these efforts. The International Day of UN Peacekeepers, observed annually on May 29, serves as a reminder to honor those who have served in peacekeeping missions.
The UN continues to prioritize the safety and security of peacekeepers, implementing stronger protective measures to mitigate threats. UN Secretary-General Ant³nio Guterres highlighted that over 50,000 peacekeepers are currently deployed globally, working to deescalate tensions, oversee aid delivery, support elections, and facilitate political solutions in conflict zones.
Guterres paid tribute to the nearly 4,500 peacekeepers who have lost their lives since 1948, including 59 in the past year. He reiterated the need for Member States to uphold international humanitarian law and ensure the safety of UN personnel. The UN Chief emphasized the necessity of steady political backing and financial support to maintain peacekeeping operations, describing them as effective means to restore stability and hope.
This year’s theme, “Invest in Peace,” underscores the need for decisive actions to equip peacekeepers with necessary resources. Guterres stressed that investing in peacekeeping is a step towards a safer future, urging continuous support for those who facilitate peace.
In a gesture to honor fallen peacekeepers, the UN Secretary-General will lay a wreath at the Peacekeepers Memorial at the UN Headquarters on June 5. He will also preside over a ceremony awarding the Dag Hammarskjold Medal posthumously to fallen peacekeepers and present awards for the UN Military Gender Advocate of the Year and the UN Woman Police Officer of the Year. The Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations, Jean-Pierre Lacroix, will participate as a guest at the noon briefing on June 5.